Friends and colleagues of Des Kelly have paid tribute to the well-known Dublin businessman following news of his death this week.
The founder and owner of Des Kelly Interiors, which operates 13 stores employing around 100 staff in Dublin, Meath and Kildare, Mr Kelly is said to have died peacefully at his home in Dunboyne surrounded by family.
He built one of Ireland’s most recognisable home furnishing companies over half a century, and from modest beginnings it recorded sales of over €8 million and profits of nearly €2 million during the height of the boom years in the mid-2000s.
He and wife Youlanda, who predeceased him by a number of years, were sole directors of the business. He is survived by their eight children. A funeral service will be held in the Holy Trinity Church in Ratoath at midday on Monday.
Mr Kelly was perhaps most famous for his association with boyhood football club Bohemians, who were sponsored by Des Kelly Carpets for almost a decade during one of the most successful periods in the club's history in the 2000s.
A stand in the club's Dalymount Park ground still bears the name of his company, and he was rumoured to be part of a consortium interested in purchasing then English Football League club Darlington in 2004, although a formal bid never materialised.
Bohemians released a statement last night thanking Mr Kelly for his support and financial backing.
It read: “It is with great sadness that Bohemians today learned of the passing of long-time friend, supporter and sponsor Des Kelly.
“Des, owner of Des Kelly Interiors, had an extremely close relationship with the club for many years and gave us incredible backing as main sponsor for nearly a decade.
“Everyone at Bohs would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Des’ family.”